German authorities have arrested a second individual in connection with a tragic stabbing attack in Solingen that resulted in three fatalities and left eight others injured. The apprehension occurred late Saturday near the scene of the incident in a refugee housing facility.
Reports indicate that the suspected attacker has surrendered to law enforcement. Descriptions provided by media suggest he was seen in dirty, blood-stained clothing.
On the same day, a 15-year-old boy was also detained. Although not the primary suspect, he is believed to have prior knowledge of the violent incident that has sent shockwaves across Germany.
North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul confirmed to local television that the suspected assailant has been taken into custody, although detailed information remains undisclosed.
A police spokesperson from the region confirmed the second arrest, affirming that special task force officers executed the operation at the refugee center. This location is approximately 300 meters from Fronhof, Solingen’s central market square, where the stabbings occurred during a local festival.
Investigators discovered a knife believed to be used by the attacker earlier in the day.
The attack, which occurred during a celebration marking the 650th anniversary of Solingen, claimed the lives of two men, aged 56 and 67, alongside a 56-year-old woman. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the violence as a “horrific act.”
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the assault, although the nature of its connection to the assailant remains unclear. Witnesses reported that the attacker appeared to target victims indiscriminately.
The chaotic scene following the attack hindered police efforts to locate the perpetrator. Authorities confirmed that the assailant “targeted” necks and throats during the onslaught.
Located about 25 kilometers east of Düsseldorf, Solingen is renowned for its steel industry and has a population of approximately 160,000. Following the attack around 22:00 local time, city officials urged citizens to avoid the Fronhof area.
The scheduled three-day anniversary celebrations, with anticipated attendance of 75,000, have been canceled, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident. Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach expressed profound sorrow, stating that “it breaks my heart that an attack has happened in our city,” and extended prayers for the victims and their families.
Police now maintain a presence at the Fronhof entrance as citizens pay their respects with flowers and candles at the site. Players from Germany’s top Bundesliga football league donned black armbands in a show of solidarity during Saturday’s matches.
